You might not have heard much about the Apple Card, and for good reason – it's not available in Canada. This digital credit card (which is also offered as a physical titanium card) is only available to U.S. citizens.
However, Canadians have cards with similar features. We've highlighted the best no-fee cards and thrown in a metallic credit card for good measure. You'll see high earn rates, the ability to add them to digital wallets, and even some nice perks that Apple doesn't include, so let's get started!
Key Takeaways
- Due to financial regulation differences, the Apple Card is only available in the U.S.
- If you’re looking for a no-fee or metal card, you have options in Canada.
- Shop around to find a credit card that offers the rewards, security, and features you’re looking for from a card.
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What is the Apple Card?
Released in 2019, the Apple Card made waves as one of the most user-friendly rewards credit cards available in the United States. It's issued by Goldman Sachs – a major bank based in Salt Lake City – and it uses the Mastercard payment network.
To apply for an Apple Card, you must be a citizen of the United States with a solid credit score and an Apple ID in good standing.
Because of regulatory banking differences between the U.S. and Canada, there are currently no plans to offer the Apple Card to Canadians.
Best Apple Card features
The Apple Card's 5 biggest selling points are:
- Zero fee guarantee
- Daily Cash cash back rewards program
- Apple product integration
- Titanium metal physical credit card
- Financial Health app
When Apple says zero fees, they mean it. The Apple Card has no annual fees, late payment fees, penalty fees, or foreign transaction fees. Everything you earn through its Daily Cash cash back rewards program is yours to keep, including:
- 3% back on purchases from Apple stores, including retail stores, apple.ca, iTunes, and Apple TV
- 3% back on purchases with select merchants like Ace Hardware, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, and Uber
- 2% back on purchases made using Wallet and Apple Pay
- 1% back on all other purchases
You can save even more by depositing your cash into a high-yield savings account through the Apple Card, where you'll earn 3.65% APY.
The Apple Card integrates seamlessly with other Apple products like the digital Wallet app and Apple Pay, enabling you to make contactless purchases with your iPhone. If said purchases include an Apple computer or MacBook, you can even pay for them using an interest-free monthly installment plan over 6–24 months.
Low-tech customers will appreciate the option to carry a premium, laser-etched titanium metal physical credit card in their wallets. Meanwhile, techies can manage their spending, rewards, payments, and savings through the Financial Health app, which includes family spending controls and credit-building tools for young users over 18.
Apple Card security features
There are a few intrinsic card features that make it a great, secure payment option. These allow you to:
- Easily apply directly from your Apple device
- See your transactions immediately
- Enjoy peace of mind knowing your purchases are protected by Face ID and Touch ID
- Activate your card instantly on your Apple device
- Set up instant alert notifications for suspicious activity
- Access 24/7 customer support via text or phone call to report unauthorized activity
Apple Card tools
Apple Card stands out from other digital cards because it includes these handy tools:
- View Receipts Tool: This makes it easy to quickly view each purchase you've authorized.
- Smart Payment Suggestions: If you need some guidance on how to pay off your balance, check out Apple's payment advice.
- Monitor where you make purchases: Your Apple Card includes a map tool so you can see where your recent purchases occurred.
- Credit-building tool: You can add authorized users who have poor credit and need to build their scores. When they make on-time payments, these are reported to credit monitoring bureaus, which can help boost their scores over time.
Apple Card alternatives
Apple likes to bill itself as a trailblazer, but Canada has had store-exclusive and zero foreign transaction fee credit cards for years. While we can't promise they have the exact same features, these five Apple Card alternatives are all compatible with Wallet and Apple Pay.
| Card name | Welcome offer | Features | Apply now |
|---|---|---|---|
| SimplyCash Card from American Express |  $50 GeniusCash + 5% cash back for the first 3 months (terms) | * No annual fee * Earn 2% back on gas and groceries * Earn 1.25 back on all other purchases | Apply now |
| Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | $80 GeniusCash + 10% extra cash back for the first 2 months (terms) | * No annual fee * Earn 2% back in up to three categories of your choice * Earn a 10% bonus for the first two months (up to $1,000 spent) | Apply now |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $250 GeniusCash + Up to 200,000 bonus points (terms) | * 120,000 bonus points * Earn up to 5 points per $1 spent * 25% back when you add an authorized user | Apply now |
| Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard | None | * No annual fee * Earn 3% back on USD purchases * Earn 1.5%-2% back on non-USD purchases | Apply now |
| BMO CashBack Mastercard | $20 GeniusCash + 5% cash back for the first 3 months (terms) | * No annual fee * Earn up to 3% back on purchases * Earn 5% cash back for the first three months (up to $2,500 in spending) | Apply now |
1. Best no-fee card: SimplyCash Card from American Express
×1 Award winner 
GC: $50
1x Award winner The SimplyCash Card from American Express offers a staggering value proposition for zero annual fees: 2% cash back on gas and groceries, 1.25% cash back on all other purchases, and zero income requirements. With a 1.46% return rate and limitless rewards, it's one of the best no-fee credit cards for a reason.
2. Best cash back card: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
×2 Award winner GC: $80
2x Award winner With zero fees, you don't have to compromise anything you earn with the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card. You get 2% cash back on two categories of your choice – or three, if you open and deposit your rewards into a Tangerine Savings account – including gas, groceries, restaurants, and recurring bills.
The card's welcome bonus includes 10% extra cash back for the first two months (up to $1,000 spent) and 1.95% on balance transfers for the first six months.
3. Metal card: BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
GC: $150
Metal credit cards are premium products and it's rare to find one that doesn't have an annual fee. If you're willing to shell out $599 per year, you can carry the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card. In return, you get up to 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent, a $200 annual lifestyle credit, 12 types of insurance, and up to 7 cents off per litre at Shell.
You can transform BMO Rewards into investments, merchandise, and travel, which is handy for taking advantage of the Visa Infinite Complimentary Concierge, Luxury Hotel Collection, and Dining Series.
4. Best American travel card: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
If you often go south, you could get 3% cash back on every purchase in US dollars with the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard. There's even more value in the 6 types of included insurance coverage, including purchase protection, trip cancellation, and trip interruption coverage.
Like Visa Infinite, World Elite Mastercard holders enjoy exclusive dining, lounge, and travel benefits.
5. Runner up: BMO CashBack Mastercard
The BMO CashBack Mastercard is the best alternative for shoppers who'd rather earn cash back than BMO Rewards points. You'll get 5% cash back for the first 3 months on up to $2,500 spent. After that, your earnings drop to 3% on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments, and 0.5% on all other purchases. Don't forget that you can save 7 cents on every litre at Shell.
FAQ
Is the Apple Card available in Canada?
No, the Apple Card is only available in the U.S. because of differences between U.S. and Canadian financial regulations. There are no plans for the Apple Card to come to Canada anytime soon.
Are there any Apple cards in Canada?
No, financial regulations in Canada prevent Apple from offering the Apple Card in Canada. At this time, you can only get the Apple Card if you have a U.S. address and Social Security Number.
Is there a fee for the Apple Card in Canada?
No, the Apple Card heavily markets itself as being a no-fee card. That doesn't mean it doesn't charge interest on purchases. Instead, it charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees to use the card.
Which countries offer Apple Cards?
At this time, the Apple Card is only available in the United States. It's issued by Goldman Sachs, a U.S. bank and is subject to U.S. financial regulations. Things could change when a different issuer takes over in a few years.
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